Red Dog: True Blue is a touching tale of a boy and his dog. It’s the story of love, loyalty, and friendship.
The story is told by adult Mick (Jason Isaacs) to his young son who desperately wants to get a dog. Mick has been procrastinating but once he finally comes to terms with his past, he is able to feel his son’s desire for a companion.
After his father dies, his mother has a breakdown so eleven-year-old Mick (Levi Miller) is sent to his grandfather’s (Bryan Brown) cattle station in Western Australia. This place is so remote, only helicopters and planes access it on a regular basis. Mick is lonely until he comes across a puppy alone and shivering. The dog is covered with blue dust, so he names the dog Blue. Once he washes it, he sees the dog’s true color is red, but that doesn’t change his name. He is Blue, and Blue and Mick soon become inseparable.
Blue looks out for Mick and vice versa. For the first time in a long time, Mick is happy and the two buddies grow together over the next year.
Out on the cattle station there isn’t much to do, so Mick and Blue explore the vast area of Australia. They come upon a cave and when he is told about the myth that surrounds it, he is interested in the power involved with this strange myth. Will he heed the warning not to disturb that somewhat sacred place or will he and Blue decide to tempt the legend and disturb the history of the cave?
The landscape of Western Australia is front and center in this endearing story of friendship. It highlights the loneliness of the region and enforces the viewers’ empathy for this young boy who has nowhere else to go. While some of the words are a bit strange to American viewers (Australian tribes, regions, etc.), the story is heartfelt and anyone who has ever had a canine companion will sympathize with the relationship between Mick and Blue.
Spoiler Alert: the dog does not die in the film so you don’t have to worry about showing this to kids (or adults) who get upset when the animal dies.
Bonus features include a look at the vast landscape where the film was made. There is another short featurette about KoKo, the dog who played Blue. In reality, he is not red and has become a beloved Australian canine actor. Deleted scenes and an alternate ending are also included. The alternate ending is interesting, however the one that ultimately made it into the film is more satisfying.
Red Dog: True Blue is not rated however it is suitable for all ages.
About the Author
Francine Brokaw has been covering all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 20 years. She also writes about products and travel. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, from Sourced Media Books.
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